De Blasio to Participate in Three Debates

Mayoral canddiate Bill de Blasio at a recent “get out the vote” event in Brooklyn.

Democratic mayoral candidate Bill de Blasio on Tuesday agreed to participate in three debates preceding the Nov. 5 general election, prompting Republican opponent Joe Lhota’s campaign to call the debate plan a “joke” following his demand for weekly debates.

Mr. de Blasio, New York City’s public advocate who is participating in the city’s campaign finance program, is required by law to appear in the two debates organized by the city’s Campaign Finance Board. In a news release, Mr. de Blasio agreed to participate in one additional debate.

Mr. de Blasio’s campaign said the three debates will be the largest number held in a mayoral general-election race since 1985.

Jessica Proud, a spokeswoman for Mr. Lhota, said, “It’s incredibly disappointing that Mr. de Blasio doesn’t appreciate the need to hold debates outside Manhattan when New Yorkers in all five boroughs deserve the chance to learn more about the next mayor.”